UNCG administers an extensive financial aid program which provides assistance to more than half the University's enrolled undergraduates. Available aid includes scholarships, grants, loans, and work. Eligibility for need-based programs is determined through an analysis of family financial information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] or the Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid [RFAFSA]. Students who file the FAFSA/RFAFSA by the priority filing date of March 1 are also considered for non-need-based aid programs. For information on programs, services, and application procedures, contact the Financial Aid Office at the following address:

Students may request a free copy of The Financial Aid Handbook for more detailed information about applying for financial aid and The UNCG Financial Aid Directory for a complete listing of aid programs offered at UNCG.

Residents of North Carolina may also contact the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, Box 2688, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27515-2688, or visit their website at www.ncseaa.edu for information about North Carolina aid programs.

Support for UNCG's financial aid program comes from federal and state governments, and from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Awards are granted and administered according to the provisions determined by the contributing agency or donor.

Renewal of Financial Aid

Renewal of a student's award from federal and state sources is contingent on continued support from government agencies and on the annual determination of the student's eligibility. Federal and state programs change frequently, so specific types of awards may not be available each year. Award amounts may vary year to year, based on available funds and changes in a student's financial need status.

You must keep your telephone number and mailing address current. See University Registrar's Office for address change instructions. (Many circumstances arise which require that the Financial Aid Office contact you in an immediate fashion.)

All students receiving financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans and/or work-study) are required to meet the standards of the UNCG Policy of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Purposes in order to maintain eligibility for funding. Further information concerning this policy is available through the Financial Aid Office.

Conditions of Award Receipt

Most types of financial aid at UNCG are applied directly to the student's UNCG account. Any financial aid funds that exceed the current semester charges are mailed to the student's campus or local address in the form of a refund check. Some types of financial aid cannot be applied directly to the student's account and require that the student sign a check at the UNCG Cashiers and Student Accounts Office. Students who must sign a check are notified by mail by that office.

In order for funds to be disbursed to the student, whether by the automated process or by manual disbursement, students must have completed all requirements of the aid receipt process. These requirements include:

Receive award letter from the Financial aid Office with all awards listed

Resolve any existing financial aid holds

Be registered for the required credit hours on which your award was based

Confirm your classes by paying the total amount due on your bill for the semester

It is the student's responsibility to meet the above requirements and to assure that all financial aid is received within 15 working days from the beginning of the semester. (If funds arrive after the beginning of the semester, the student has 15 working days from the date the funds are available to receive the aid.)

Failure to comply with any or all of the above may result in the immediate cancellation of your award (without prior notice) and/or the revocation of your subsequent eligibility for aid.

General Grants and Scholarships

The Financial Aid Office awards a limited number of general institutional grants and scholarships, ranging in value from $100 to $2000 per year, to students (new and continuing) who have above-average academic records, meet specific award requirements as established by the donors, and/or have financial need. These awards may not be renewable. A listing of these awards and application requirements is found in the Financial Aid Office publication UNCG Financial Aid Directory. FAFSA/RFAFSA filers are automatically considered for need-based and non-need-based aid.

Departmental Grants and Scholarships

Some scholarships are restricted by academic major. Recipients of these scholarships are generally nominated or selected by academic departments or schools, or, in some cases, by designated committees, and are generally restricted to students in specific areas of study or special programs. See the publication UNCG Financial Aid Directory, available at the Financial Aid Office, for a listing of these scholarships.

Outside Scholarships

Students are encouraged to inquire with their local high school counseling staff, chamber of commerce, and public library to find sources of scholarship assistance. Sources include civic organizations, professional organizations, employers, high schools, and religious organizations. Students may visit the UNCG Financial Aid Office to review its collection of outside scholarship announcements, which is updated and maintained on an ongoing basis as announcements are received. Students may also access a free scholarship database on the Internet at www.fastWEB.com

Donors of outside scholarships should be instructed to send checks to the Financial Aid Office. Checks should include the name of the scholarship, the term(s) for which the award is made, and the student's complete legal name and social security number. If the donor does not provide instructions otherwise, the amount of the scholarship check will be divided and applied to the student's account equally for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Merit Awards Program

The Merit Awards Program includes the most selective academic excellence awards made by UNCG. The winners are among the most outstanding students at UNCG, and their achievements enrich and enhance the University. More than fifty renewable scholarships ranging from $2000 to $12,000 per year are offered annually to entering freshmen. Awards are renewable through up to four years of undergraduate study, dependent on maintaining academic standards set for the awards and satisfactory performance in an area of study for awards restricted by discipline.

A single application, available from the Financial Aid Office and due January 15, provides consideration for each of the following Merit Awards Program awards:

Alumni Scholarship: The Alumni Association established this award to provide assistance to students of merit. Awards are valued at $2600.

Kathleen Price and Joseph M. Bryan Scholarship: Joseph M. Bryan established these funds in 1984 to provide undergraduate scholarships for students in business and economics. Awards are valued at no less than $3500 per year.

Ethel Virginia Butler Centennial Scholarship: Awards of at least $6000 per year are made from a bequest from alumna Ethel Virginia Butler, a former teacher and long-time manager of the University Bookstore.

Ruth McKaughan and W. Bryan Carter Scholarship: Established in 1990 for outstanding students majoring in English. Awards are $3000-4000.

Class of 1942 Centennial Scholarship: Funds for this scholarship were established by members of the Class of 1942 in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of their commencement, and the University's centennial year. Awards are valued at $6000.

Class of 1944 Scholarship: Endowed by the Class of 1944 in 1994 to attract students with demonstrated leadership skills and academic excellence. Awards are valued at $2500.

Class of 1945 Scholarship: Established in 1995 by the Class of 1945 to assist female students who have an interest in human relations, international studies, or women's studies. Awards are valued at $6000.

Class of 1970 Scholarship: Created by the Class of 1970 in celebration of their 25th Anniversary. Awards are valued at $2500.

The Faculty Scholarship for Physics and Mathematics: Established by alumnus W. Douglas Young in 1997 to assist academically gifted students majoring in Physics, Computer Science or Math. Awards are valued at $2500.

James S. and Frances C. Ferguson Scholarship: This award was established in 1978 to honor Dr. and Mrs. James S. Ferguson. An award of no less than $2500 is made to an outstanding out-of-state student.

Fiftieth Reunion Class Scholarship: Established in 1986 by the Class of 1936 in celebration of its fiftieth reunion, awards are valued at $2500.

Marian White Fisher, M.D. Centennial Scholarship: Awards from this fund are made possible by a bequest of Freida White McGirt in memory of her daughter, Dr. Marion White Fisher, '39, a radiologist who died in 1978 after a long battle with cancer. Awards are valued at $6000.

A.J. Fletcher Scholarship in Music: Made possible by the A.J. Fletcher Foundation of Raleigh, awards of $5000 are awarded to students with special talent in music.

Jefferson-Pilot Scholarship: In 1961, the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company established this award, which is valued at $2500.

Elizabeth Louisa "Libby" Jones Scholarship: This award is given every four years to students in mathematics, computer science, chemistry, or physics. Preference is given to needy students. Awards are valued at $3500.

NationsBank Scholarship: These funds were established in 1982 by the North Carolina National Bank for students studying business and economics. Annual awards are valued at a minimum of $3500.

L. Richardson and Emily Preyer Scholarship: This award was established in 1991 to aid an outstanding undergraduate student. Emily Preyer, '39, requested that the scholarship be awarded based on academic merit. Awards are valued at $2500.

Katharine Smith Reynolds Scholarship: Since 1962 funds have been provided by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation as a memorial to Mrs. Katharine Smith Reynolds. Awards starting at $5000 plus stipends are made to North Carolina residents each year.

Harry B. and Edith V. Sloan Memorial Scholarship in Science, Mathematics, and Health: Endowed in 1997 for students interested in pursuing a course of study in health, the sciences or the mathematical sciences. Awards are valued at $2500.

International Baccalaureate Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen who are IB diploma candidates, based upon the recommendation of their IB Coordinator. Awards are valued at $1000 and are renewable for up to four years. Interested students should contact their IB Coordinator for procedures.

Superintendents' Scholarship

Superintendents' Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen from high schools in the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium. They are based on the recommendation of their area superintendents in conjunction with the high school principal and guidance counselors. Awards are valued at $1000 and are renewable for up to four years. Interested students should contact their high school guidance office for procedures.

Deans' Scholars Program

The Deans' Scholars Program offers incoming freshmen four-year renewable scholarships ranging from $1000 to $2000 annually. This competitive program emphasizes academic rigor demonstrated by the completion of Advanced Placement (AP), honors, and college level courses while in high school. Interested students should contact their high school guidance office or the Financial Aid Office for procedures.

Community College Presidents' Scholarship

These two-year renewable scholarships are awarded to students transferring from local community colleges, based on the nomination of their community college president. For a complete listing of participating community colleges, contact the Financial Aid Office at 336/334-5702.

Other Grants and Scholarships

Federal and state funds are available for grant and scholarship awards to students with exceptional financial need. A grant or scholarship is gift assistance and does not require repayment. Students who complete the financial aid application procedures are considered for all grant funds for which they are eligible.

For a complete listing of grants and scholarships available at UNCG, contact the UNCG Financial Aid Office to request a copy of The UNCG Financial Aid Directory.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant program assists undergraduate students in meeting postsecondary educational expenses. The program provides eligible students in need of financial assistance with federal funds to help pay for their first baccalaureate degree. Students who already hold a baccalaureate degree and are pursuing a second baccalaureate degree are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (RFAFSA) must be filed to determine Federal Pell Grant and other need-based aid eligibility before an award can be made by UNCG. Ineligibility for a Federal Pell Grant may not affect eligibility for other types of aid at UNCG. A student must reapply each year for a Federal Pell Grant, and the amount of the grant may vary from year to year.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grants

A North Carolina resident full-time undergraduate student with exceptional financial need may be eligible for a state grant ranging from $200 to $1500. Students who wish to be considered for this grant must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA and give the U.S. Dept. of Education permission to send the financial information to the State. The deadline for applying is March 15.

Minority Presence Grants

The University will continue to fund the Minority Presence Grant Program General Program, Part I and Part II. The University will allocate this money to historically white and historically black institutions to aid them in recruiting financially needy North Carolina students who would be minority presence students at the respective institutions by enabling the institutions to offer relatively more aid for minority presence students in the form of grants rather than loans. General Program Part I includes funds for black students at predominantly white UNC constituent institutions. General Program Part II consists of grant funds for Native Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.

To be eligible for consideration under the Minority Presence Grant Programs, students must be residents of North Carolina, enrolled for at least three hours of degree credit coursework, and demonstrate financial need.

Incentive Scholarship and Grant Program for Native Americans

North Carolina residents who are members of an Indian tribe recognized by the State of North Carolina or by the federal government may be eligible for a need-based grant or merit scholarship through this State-funded program. Contact the Financial Aid Office for eligibility requirements and application procedures.

North Carolina Teaching Fellows

Four-year awards of up to $6,500 per year are made to high school seniors who are promising prospective teachers. Financial need is not a selection criterion. For each year a student receives an award, he or she is expected to teach one year in North Carolina. The application deadline is in November and awards are announced in April. Applications are available from high school counselors and the NCTF Commission, Koger Center, Cumberland Bldg., 3739 National Dr., Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Prospective Teacher Scholarship/Loan

North Carolina residents who plan a teaching career in the state may apply for a Prospective Teacher Scholarship/Loan. High school seniors who apply must have a minimum SAT score of 900 and a minimum GPA of 3.0. College applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The award is valued at up to $2,500 per year, and each year's stipend may be canceled by a year of public school teaching in North Carolina. Information and applications may be obtained from high school guidance counselors, college financial aid offices, and schools of education. Applications are due in mid-February. Awards are announced in May.

Nurse Scholars Program

Awards are available to North Carolina residents with strong academic records. Students contract to work as full-time registered nurses within the state after graduation or they must repay the amount they are awarded plus interest at the rate of 10%. Students should contact the School of Nursing to be nominated for this award and for further information on the program.

Nurse Education Scholarship/Loan

The loans are awarded to North Carolina students, with preference given to juniors and seniors in nursing degree programs. Recipients are selected on the basis of financial need and merit by the Financial Aid Office. Loans my be repaid through full-time employment as a nurse in North Carolina or through repayment at a 10% interest rate.

Loans

UNCG provides long-term loan assistance through federal and institutional funds to graduate and undergraduate students. Students are considered for loan assistance when they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (RFAFSA). The Financial Aid Office awards a loan from the fund that is most suitable to a student's circumstances. When receiving a loan, the student must sign a promissory note.

In addition to long-term loans, short-term loans for emergency expenses up to $200 are available through the Financial Aid Office during the time students are enrolled. Contact the Financial Aid Office for information about applying for an emergency loan.

Federal Stafford Loans

All students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible to be considered for assistance through the Federal Stafford Loan Program. Repayment on Stafford loans normally begins six months after the borrower graduates or terminates half-time enrollment.

The two types of Federal Stafford Loans are Subsidized and Unsubsidized. The Subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on this loan until repayment begins and during authorized periods of deferment. The Unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Interest accrues on the Unsubsidized loan from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Interest may be paid as it accumulates, or may be added to the loan principal (capitalized). The FAFSA/RFAFSA determines your eligibility for each type of loan.

For the Subsidized Stafford loan annual borrowing is limited to $2,625 for the first year of undergraduate study, $3,500 for the second year, $5,500 for upper-level undergraduates, and $8,500 for graduate study. Total Subsidized loan assistance at the undergraduate level may not exceed $23,000. The aggregate limit for Subsidized Stafford loans through the graduate level is $65,500.

Independent students, including graduate students, or dependent students whose parent are unable to get a PLUS Loan (see below) may be eligible to borrow additional monies under the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. Freshmen and sophomores may be eligible to borrow an additional $4,000, upperclassmen an additional $5000, and graduate students may be eligible to borrow an additional $10,000 in Unsubsidized Stafford loan.

The interest rate on Stafford loans is variable if your loan is disbursed on or after July 1, 1994. The variable rate is adjusted each year and will never exceed 8.25%.

Federal PLUS Loans

This federal government program allows parents of dependent students to borrow to meet educational expenses without demonstrating financial need. These loans are available only after the student's annual limit for Federal Stafford Loans has been reached. The Federal PLUS program provides nonsubsidized loans at a variable interest rate that is not to exceed 9%. The amount borrowed under this program may not exceed the cost of education minus other aid received. Repayment usually begins immediately after the loan is disbursed.

Federal Perkins Loans

Students with exceptional need may be eligible for a Federal Perkins Loan. The interest rate on the Perkins loan is 5%. Repayment is made to the school, and normally begins nine months after the borrower graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. UNCG will automatically consider any student who files the FAFSA/RFAFSA for the Perkins Loan.

North Carolina Student Loans for Health, Science and Mathematics

Legal residents of North Carolina accepted as full-time students in accredited associate, baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral programs leading to a degree in health, mathematics, nursing, or science may be eligible for this type of loan. Maximum loans range from $3000 to $8500 depending on the degree level. Recipients are selected according to major, academic capabilities, and financial need.

Interested students should request information and applications as soon as possible after January 15 from the North Carolina Student Loan Program for Health, Science, and Mathematics, P.O. Box 20549, Raleigh, NC 27619-0549.

Student Employment

Funds for part-time jobs are provided for in the budgets of various departments on campus and also by the federal government. All student employees of UNCG, upon being hired, must present proper documentation verifying their identity and employment eligibility as required by the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Original documentation must be presented on or before the first day of work. A list of acceptable documents is available from the ID Center located in the Walker Avenue Parking Deck (336/334-5651).

Federal Work-Study Program

The federal government provides funds for part-time on- and off-campus jobs for students through the Federal Work-Study Program. The average student job requires 10 to 15 hours per week, and average yearly earnings are approximately $1400 to $1600. To be considered for Work-Study, a student need only complete the FAFSA/RFAFSA and indicate interest in student employment on the form. Federal Work-Study is a need-based program with limited funding. Not all students who indicate interest will be offered Work-Study.

Other On-Campus Employment

Part-time jobs on campus are available for students who do not qualify for Federal Work-Study and want to earn money for a portion of their college expenses. The Career Services Center, located at 207 Foust Building on the UNCG campus, maintains a listing of these jobs. Students are eligible to use the Career Services Center as soon as they have been accepted for Admission.

Financial Aid from Other Sources

North Carolina Services for the Blind

Services for the Blind, a state agency affiliated with the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, provides financial assistance to visually impaired/blind college students for such items as tuition, fees, books, supplies and reader services. For information, contact the Chief of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Services for the Blind, 309 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27606.

North Carolina Veterans' Scholarships

The Department of Veterans' Affairs offers scholarship assistance to North Carolina children of deceased or disabled veterans or of certain veterans who were listed as POW or MIA status. An eligible student should write to the N.C. Division of Veterans' Affairs, 325 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, for information.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Many states offer educational assistance to students who have a mental or physical disability that is an impairment to employment. North Carolina residents should contact their local Vocational Rehabilitation office or the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, P.O. Box 26053, 805 Ruggles Drive, Raleigh, NC 27611-6053.

Students from other states should contact a local vocational counselor